Central Heating Maintenance Checklist 2026
Keep your heating system running efficiently with our complete maintenance guide for Hampshire homeowners.
Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable, efficient heating system. A few simple checks throughout the year can prevent breakdowns, extend your boiler's life, and keep energy bills low.
This checklist covers everything from monthly DIY checks to professional services that keep your heating running at its best.
Monthly Checks (DIY)
These quick checks take just 5-10 minutes and help you spot problems before they become serious:
Check Boiler Pressure
Should be between 1-1.5 bar when cold. Top up via filling loop if low.
Listen for Unusual Noises
Kettling, banging, or gurgling sounds can indicate developing problems.
Check Boiler Display
Note any error codes or warning lights. Look up in manual if present.
Test Radiator Heat Distribution
Run heating and check all radiators are warming evenly.
Check for Leaks
Look under boiler and around radiator valves for drips or water stains.
Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
Autumn
September - October
Pre-winter preparation - the most important time for heating maintenance.
- Book annual boiler service
- Bleed all radiators
- Test heating before cold weather
- Check TRV operation
- Insulate outdoor pipes
Winter
November - February
Monitor operation and protect against cold weather problems.
- Check condensate pipe daily in freezing weather
- Keep heating on low when away
- Monitor pressure more frequently
- Clear snow/ice from flues and vents
- Know how to thaw condensate pipe
Spring
March - May
End of heating season - review and plan improvements.
- Review winter performance
- Note any issues for resolution
- Consider power flushing if needed
- Plan summer improvements
- Check radiators for corrosion
Summer
June - August
Best time for major work - system not in use.
- Schedule power flushing
- Install Magna Clean if needed
- Replace faulty TRVs
- Upgrade radiators if planned
- Run heating briefly monthly
Professional Services Schedule
| Service | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Service Full inspection, cleaning, safety checks | Annually | £80-120 |
| Power Flushing Complete system clean | Every 5-10 years | £450-650 |
| Magnetic Filter Clean Remove captured debris | Annually (during service) | Included |
| Inhibitor Top-Up Check and replenish protection | Annually (during service) | £15-25 + service |
| System Health Check Comprehensive efficiency assessment | Every 3-5 years | £125 |
Power Flushing: When to Schedule
Power flushing is your heating system's deep clean. While not needed annually, it's essential maintenance that should be scheduled when:
- Your system is 5-10 years old and never been flushed
- Cold spots appear on radiators (especially at bottom)
- Water from bleeding is brown or black
- Boiler is making kettling noises
- Before installing a new boiler
- After major pipe work or radiator additions
Power Flushing from £450
Summer is the ideal time for power flushing - your heating isn't needed and you'll be ready for winter. Book now for the best availability.
Book Power FlushWarning Signs to Watch For
Call a Professional Immediately If:
- You smell gas
Turn off gas, ventilate, call Gas Emergency 0800 111 999
- CO detector alarms
Evacuate, ventilate, call Gas Emergency
- Boiler flame is yellow/orange
Could indicate carbon monoxide - call engineer
- Water leaking from boiler
Turn off boiler, call engineer
- Boiler won't ignite repeatedly
Note error codes, call engineer
- Radiators extremely hot and uncontrollable
Thermostat/pump issue - call engineer
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my boiler serviced?
Annually. This maintains efficiency, spots problems early, and is usually required to maintain boiler warranty.
What's the best time to service my boiler?
September or October - before heating season begins. Engineers are also less busy, so you may get better availability and pricing.
Can I bleed radiators myself?
Yes, this is a safe DIY task. Use a radiator key, open the valve until water flows, then close. Top up boiler pressure if needed.
How do I top up boiler pressure?
Locate the filling loop (usually under the boiler or nearby). Open the valve slowly until pressure reaches 1-1.5 bar, then close.
Is a boiler service the same as power flushing?
No. A boiler service checks the boiler itself. Power flushing cleans the entire heating system (radiators, pipes). Both are important but serve different purposes.
Need Professional Heating Maintenance?
From annual servicing to power flushing, we keep Hampshire heating systems running at their best. Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford.